U18 World Junior Championships - Team Russia finished the round robin at the second place and that means that they will have to face Team Switzerland in the quarterfinals, just the same opponent as the WJC fiasco earlier this season. Team Russia defeated Slovakia, Czech Republic and Latvia and lost only to Finland. The team's top scorer so far has been the captain Evgeny Kuznetsov. The 2010 eligible scored four goals and four assists in as many games. The same amount of points has been scored by Sergei Barbashev, who amassed two goals and six assists. Sergei Kostenko has been solid on net, and 94-born Andrei Vasilievski played very well too. Team's top goalscorer has been Vladislav Namestnikov, while team's top scoring defensemen were Efim Gurkin and Zakhar Arzamastsev, with three points each. The game against Switzeland will be played on Tuesday, the winner will face Team Sweden on Wednesday.

U18 Six Nations Tournament - Staying perfect with five wins in as many games, Team Russia won the 2010 U18 Six Nations tournament in Minsk, Belarus. They beaten not only the hosts, but also USA, Sweden, Finland and Czech Republic. On top of that Evgeny Kuznetsov has been named tournament's MVP, thanks to his six goals and nine points. Sergei Kostenko was the tournament's top goalie. Very good performances came also from Vladislav Namestnikov and Nikita Gusev among forwards and Viktor Antipin and Alexei Marchenko among blue liners. Stay tuned in the next few days as we will present you all the stats from the tournament.

U18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament - The 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial final on Saturday is ready for another showdown between the two super hockey powers, Canada and Russia. On the final day of the group stage, Canada demolished Czech Republic 9-0 while Russia beat Finland 8-4. Sweden and USA will play for the bronze. Kirill Kabanov, Nail Yakupov, Vladislav Namestnikov and Pavel Kulikov are Russia's top scorers with 5 points, while Ivan Telegin won't play in the final match as he got an elbow injury during the first period of the last game. (Internationalhockey.net article by Karsten Skjalm) READ MORE

U17 Youth Olympics Festival - For the second straight time, Team Russia triumphed in the EYOF, a competition held every two years in different European cities. The 2007 edition has been played in Jaca, Spain, while this years’ one was hosted by the cities of Slask and Beskidy in Poland. Vladislav Namestnikov has been instrumental in Russia's win over Switzerland in the finals, while Evgeny Kuznetsov has been named MVP of the tournament. (Tournament report exclusive for russianprospects.com by Alessandro Seren Rosso) READ MORE

Talent Analysis:

A natural center with very good playmaking abilities and finishing skills...a very fast skater with very good top speed, but can work a bit on his acceleration...compared to a young Igor Larionov, who is his agent...high level of technique, excellent stickhandling and passing game...high hockey IQ...a good scorer thanks to his very good wristshot...needs to work on his faceoff ability...needs to work on his defensive play...an excellent center prospect who can become a first liner in the NHL...

Back In Russia:

Vladislav Namestnikov comes from a true hockey family as his father spent many years playing in America (mainly in minor leagues) and his uncle is Slava Kozlov. He spent a significant part of his childhood in America and this helped him in getting to know the culture and the language. Once back in Russia, Namestnikov entered the Khimik Voskresensk organization and had a very good season in the Russian high league before crossing the pond as he was drafted in the CHL by the London Knights.

NHL Outlook:

Vladislav Namestnikov is a highly skilled center who can become a first line player in any NHL team. He was drafted in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning.